Cicely Tyson: A Life Of Passion And Purpose (1924-2021)

Cicely Tyson was not just an actress; she was a beacon of strength and inspiration for many. Known for her remarkable performances in film, television, and theater, Tyson carefully chose roles that resonated with quality and depth. Through her work, she became a voice for the African American community, earning accolades and awards, including three Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. Her journey was not just about acting; it was about making impactful choices that influenced future generations.

Who Was Cicely Tyson?

Cicely Tyson built a successful career by carefully selecting roles that exemplified quality and depth. She won accolades and awards for her performances on TV, stage, and in film, with credits including Sounder, Roots, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All, and The Help. Tyson won three Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, among other honors, over the course of her acting career. She was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1977.

Early Life

Tyson was born in New York City on December 18, 1924, and grew up in Harlem, New York. At the age of 18, she walked away from a typing job and began modeling. Tyson was then drawn to acting, despite not being allowed to attend plays or movies as a child. When she got her first acting job, her religious mother, feeling that Tyson was choosing a sinful path, kicked her out of their home.

Movies, TV, and Theater

Despite her mother's initial disapproval, Tyson found success as an actress, appearing on stage, in movies, and on TV. In 1963, she became the first African American star of a TV drama in the series East Side/West Side, playing the role of secretary Jane Foster. She went on to be nominated for an Academy Award for 1972's Sounder. Tyson portrayed notable roles on television, including Kunta Kinte's mother in the adaptation of Alex Haley's Roots and the title role in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, which earned her two Emmy Awards in 1974.

'The Help' and Broadway's 'The Trip to Bountiful'

More recently, Tyson appeared in The Help (2011) as maid Constantine Bates, for which she received many awards for being part of the ensemble cast and also worked on several Tyler Perry movies. After a 30-year absence from Broadway, Tyson returned with a role in Horton Foote's The Trip to Bountiful. The actress traveled to Texas in an effort to better understand her part in the acclaimed production, dedication that paid off when her performance won Tyson the 2013 Tony Award for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a play.

Personal Life

Tyson married her first husband, Kenneth Franklin, in December 1942, and gave birth to a daughter, whom she publicly referred to as "Joan," in February 1943. Tyson left Franklin two years later. She was married to Miles Davis for seven years in the 1980s and had no children. Tyson had a well-known commitment to community involvement, co-founding the Dance Theater of Harlem after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

Notable Honors

Throughout her career, Tyson received numerous acting awards and was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1977. She was honored by the Congress of Racial Equality and the National Council of Negro Women. In 2010, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People presented Tyson with its 95th Spingarn Medal, which is awarded to African Americans who have achieved outstanding levels of achievement.

Legacy and Impact

Cicely Tyson passed away on January 28, 2021. Her legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to portraying strong, complex characters and her insistence on representing the African American experience authentically. Tyson's influence extends beyond her roles; she inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions and advocate for their communities. As her manager, Larry Thompson, stated, “Cicely thought of her new memoir as a Christmas tree decorated with all the ornaments of her personal and professional life.”

Tyson's quotes resonate with many, reflecting her belief in using one's platform for positive change. She once said, "I used my career as a platform to make a statement." Her life serves as a reminder that one can achieve greatness while staying true to one's values and purpose.